Four Assembly members representing St. Lawrence County voted in favor of legislation that would strip public officials of their pensions if they are convicted of corruption.

Assemblywomen Addie Russell, D-Theresa and Janet Duprey, R-Peru along with Assemblymen Ken Blankenbush, R-Black River and Marc Butler, R-Newport, were among the contingent voting yes on Wednesday, June 17.

But the measure never recieved final approval in the Legislature this past session.

“Public officials are elected or appointed to represent and serve their communities, not to use their political influence for personal gain," said Russell, one of the bill’s co-sponsors. "Corrupt politicians who selfishly take advantage of the faith placed in them must face the full consequences of their actions. That’s why I helped pass legislation that will strip the taxpayer-funded pension of any public official convicted of corruption. Increasing accountability is essential as our sole focus should be continuing to work for a better New York.”